Red-Fin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus adornatus)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes (peaceful and non-aggressive)
• Small invertebrate safe: ✅ Yes (reef-safe; does not harm invertebrates)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes (does not harm corals)
• Minimum tank size: 190 litres (50 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 7.6 cm (3 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); may hide upon introduction; ensure a peaceful community to prevent stress
Appearance and Colouration
The Red-Fin Fairy Wrasse is a visually appealing species with distinct sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Exhibit a predominantly whitish-pink body adorned with two prominent red blotches on the upper front region. The dorsal fin features a red border along its upper edge.
• Females and Juveniles: Display a reddish-pink overall hue with a characteristic black spot on the upper caudal peduncle.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Cirrhilabrus adornatus is indigenous to the eastern Indian Ocean, specifically around Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands. They inhabit rubble zones on outer reef slopes at depths ranging from 10 to 30 metres (33 to 100 feet), where they primarily feed on zooplankton.
• Social Structure: Typically found in small groups, with a dominant male overseeing several females and juveniles.
• Activity: Diurnal and active swimmers, often seen mid-water foraging for planktonic prey.
• Behaviour: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 190 litres (50 gallons)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 23°C – 27°C (74°F – 82°F)
• pH: 8.0 – 8.5
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.026
• Aquascaping:
• Incorporate ample live rock formations to create hiding spots and replicate natural reef structures.
• Ensure open swimming spaces to accommodate their active nature.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, simulating natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, reflecting their natural habitat.
Important Note: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Cirrhilabrus adornatus are known to jump, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural environment, Red-Fin Fairy Wrasses primarily feed on zooplankton. In captivity, they adapt well to a variety of meaty foods.
• Captive Diet:
• Offer vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
• Provide high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.
• Supplement with live foods such as copepods and amphipods to encourage natural foraging behaviours.
Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to maintain health and vibrant colouration.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
• Males may display increased colouration and fin displays during courtship.
• Tank Mates:
• Compatible with other non-aggressive species such as gobies, blennies, and dwarf angelfish.
• Avoid housing with aggressive or significantly larger species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Social Structure:
• Best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females.
• Introducing multiple males in the same tank can lead to aggression unless the aquarium is sufficiently large.
Important Considerations
• Jumping Behaviour: Ensure the aquarium has a secure lid, as these wrasses are prone to leaping out of tanks.
• Acclimation: Introduce them to well-established aquariums with stable water parameters to reduce stress.
• Behavioural Displays: Males exhibit vibrant displays during courtship, enhancing the visual appeal of the aquarium.